Project Windows pairs art students and merchants in window dressing show

Newton — For the second year, Main Street Newton will sponsor Project Windows, a competition which pairs ambitious art students with host merchants to teach students the art of window dressing, providing them with real-life experiences beyond the classroom. “This is a great opportunity for Sussex County art students to gain professional experience and showcase their work in a very public way,” said Jennie Traill Schaeffer, chair of the 2nd Saturday Committee. “Our theme this year, ‘Great Interpretations’ is intended to encourage students to select a topic such as movies, literature or art and visually represent their idea in a holiday window display that uniquely and successfully draws customer into the stores.” Modeled a bit after TV’s “Project Runway,” Project Windows provides the students with a design challenge and the opportunity to participate in an educational workshop hosted by Newton calligrapher and experienced window dresser, Kathy Milici of 24 Karat Designs. The students meet with their host merchant to tour the space, gain an understanding of the scope of their shop, and then begin creating possible designs which they present to the merchant for approval. Merchants provide the students with a limited budget and other supplies they may have on hand for them to construct the installation. The Project Windows displays will be installed in time for Newton’s Holiday Parade on Nov. 28 and a reception recognizing the students for their efforts and successes will be held on Dec. 12 as part of the that evening’s 2nd Saturday events. There will also be a Holiday Stroll with luminaries lighting the walkways of Spring Street and special promotions offered by the merchants. Project Windows awards will be presented for the most unique window, most creative window, the window that most accurately merchandises the host shop, and a people’s choice award. A map listing all of the student participants and the merchant location of their displays will be available to assist voting for the people’s choice award. Main Street Newton is seeking sponsors for this year’s Project Windows to fund publicity for the event and provide money or prizes for the competition. If interested in volunteering or sponsoring this event, contact Jim Sheldon, executive director, Main Street Newton, at 973-940-3178 or by e-mail at jimsheldon@mainstreetnewton.org.